Directions:Read the following poem and follow the Steps for Unlocking a Poem handout. Then, in the discussion section, post a well-written response in which you explain the steps you followed that helped you to make meaning. Using the poetry terminology we have learned in class as well as direct references to the poem, identify what you determined as the deeper meaning of the poem. Then read posts by two other students and post an in-depth response to those posts. Please don't simpy tell the writer that he or she did a good job. You need to reply thoughtfully and specifically.
(If your username is vague, sign your post with your first name or use your first name in the subject line of your post.)
Love at the lips was touch
As sweet as I could bear;
And once that seemed too much;
I lived on air
That crossed me from sweet things,
The flow of--was it musk
From hidden grapevine springs
Downhill at dusk?
I had the swirl and ache
From sprays of honeysuckle
That when they're gathered shake
Dew on the knuckle.
I craved strong sweets, but those
Seemed strong when I was young;
The petal of the rose
It was that stung.
Now no joy but lacks salt,
That is not dashed with pain
And weariness and fault;
I crave the stain
Of tears, the aftermark
Of almost too much love,
The sweet of bitter bark
And burning clove.
When stiff and sore and scarred
I take away my hand
From leaning on it hard
In grass and sand,
The hurt is not enough:
I long for weight and strength
To feel the earth as rough
To all my length.
Poetry Analysis
Directions: Read the following poem and follow the Steps for Unlocking a Poem handout. Then, in the discussion section, post a well-written response in which you explain the steps you followed that helped you to make meaning. Using the poetry terminology we have learned in class as well as direct references to the poem, identify what you determined as the deeper meaning of the poem. Then read posts by two other students and post an in-depth response to those posts. Please don't simpy tell the writer that he or she did a good job. You need to reply thoughtfully and specifically.
(If your username is vague, sign your post with your first name or use your first name in the subject line of your post.)
To Earthward
by Robert Frost